140
Their holiday came to an end earlier than expected. Although, Nolah’s excuse to Alexa was that he had an emergency at his company, which was partly true, his main reason for putting the holiday to an abrupt end was Alexa. He had been so worried sick for her. Thankfully, Alexa wasn’t angry or sad about the news. Perhaps, it had something to do with what had been going on with her. On the way back to Los Angeles, Alexa was stopped by a rather churlish bald ruddy attending officer who appeared to be in his early forties.
“I’m afraid that you can’t go through the checkpoint, ma’am. You look visibly unwell, and you have a rising temperature. I can’t jeopardise the health of others because of you. Who knows? Someone might catch the flu or something.”
Nolan, who had earlier stepped away to receive a call arrived just in time to the sight of an angry Alexa. The hair on her nape was erected like bristles and her nose flared.
“What’s going on here?” Nolah’s eyes darted from the attending officer to Alexa.
“I was just politely telling the miss here that she can’t go in because she’s sick. Her temperature is high.”
“That wouldn’t be an issue.” Nolah held Alexa firmly by the waist and didn’t miss the confusion in the attendant’s eyes. “We came in Alexa’s private jet, and in case you don’t understand what I mean, we were alone. Private jets aren’t a community transport means. If you’d excuse us.” Without sparing the befuddled attendant another glance, Nolah guided Alexa away and chuckled as her lips curved in a smile.
“Thank you, Nolan. You didn’t have to lie, though.” Alexa rested her head on his shoulders.
“Alexa, you’re going to take a whole week off work, till you get well,” said Nolan after a momentary silence.
“But, I’m not-”
“No “buts” will be entertained. I’ll see to it that your full stipend is paid for the week.”
“We just got back from our holiday. I assure you that-”
“Will you listen to me, Alexa?” Nolan’s voice was a little shrill. “I don’t want you working yourself out in this state,” he paused. “Get well first, alright?” He looked down at her face, gripping her jaw softly before planting a kiss on her forehead.
Alexa woke up to an empty bed the next day. She must have slept for a long time. She glanced at the clock and sighed as she saw what time it was. It was 9:30 am. She rolled on the bed and her hand touched a ribboned paper. Glancing down, she caught sight of an envelope which had her name on it. She untied the ribbon, opened the envelope and pulled out a handwritten letter.
“Hey, Lexa love. I would be at work already when you see this. How was your night, sweetie? Don’t use up your energy doing anything. I want you well rested. Don’t even lift a spoon, Lexa and I mean this. Betty and the others are more than enough to do kitchen work. You could pick up any book in my library if you’re bored, watch a movie- or better still send a text or call me, I can spare a few minutes. I’ll see you soon. Bye. Hugs and kisses.
– Nolan.”
Alexa blushed hard at the note, and she pressed the paper to her chest, shutting her eyes. She was about to head out of the room when she heard a knock at the door.
“Come in.”Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
It was one of the kitchen staff. She had a tray in her hand, and in less than a second, the aroma of lobster roll and buffalo wings filled the air, causing Alexa’s stomach to churn. There was also something else, that Alexa couldn’t make out. It wasn’t until the tray was brought before her that she beamed at the sight of espresso.
“Good morning, ma’am. I hope you had a beautiful night.” The old maid’s head was bowed, her hands in her front.
“You don’t have to act all formal around me. I’m sure you’re way older than my mother.” Alexa smiled.
“The master expressly asked me to look after you, ma’am. He said that you haven’t been feeling too well.” Her head was still slightly bowed.
“Believe me, Nolan is-”
Alexa’s stomach suddenly tightened again, and she immediately scampered to the bathroom. She came out after a few minutes and flopped on the bed.
“I’m sorry. I’ve just been somewhat queasy lately.”
“I’m not sure if I should say this-”
“You can speak freely to me, please. Go on.”
“I think you should visit the doctor. You may be pregnant, my lady.”